How do I choose my pattern size?

Blueprints for Sewing uses a non-standard sizing chart, created by gathering information from many students and sewists. Our patterns are drafted for a B cup and feature proportional sizing based on a slightly greater hip measurement compared to bust. The also feature a more generous waist measurement, as the waistline is often the easiest to alter.

Blueprints are designed to help you alter your pattern for a more custom fit, including Bust adjustments, Length adjustments, and other pattern specific alterations as determined by the pattern's style.

Each pattern should give you sufficient information to help you get a great fit from your pattern, but many of the styles can be sewn up as-is resulting in a perfectly good fit for many body types.

Can I teach a class using your patterns?

Of course! Working through a pattern with a group and a mentor is a wonderful way to build sewing skills and gain confidence as a sewist. As a teacher, I have loved using other independent patterns with my students. Enjoy!

Can I sell garments made from your patterns?

It depends. If a friend who does not sew asks you to make her a garment from one of our patterns in exchange for money, then yes. If you make clothing for a living and sell on a website like Etsy that is available to the public, then no.

Anything in between? Be smart, courteous, and give credit where credit is due.

Can I trace off a copy of my pattern for a friend?

I am a strong advocate for sharing: Making mix tapes from records you own for friends, lending somebody a DVD or a book, and patronizing libraries and rental services. I also have more than liberal ideas concerning copyright and intellectual property.

I want to keep sewing accessible to everyone. The decision is up to you, but think about your karma. Or, make a donation to our site in lieu of buying a pattern :)

Why paper patterns?

When a pattern is good, I use it all the time. In a mostly disposable world, something that holds up over time is a rare find. Some of my most treasured patterns are over 50 years old and showing their age. I like the idea of passing on my patterns to my (hopefully sewing enthused) kids. I also love books and paper ephemera. Sure, it uses resources we could stand to reduce consumption of, but then again, printing out a 54 page digital pattern does too.

Why are some patterns PDF only

Printing sewing patterns is expensive. As a way to keep the business sustainable to be able to keep printing paper patterns, I will intermittently release PDF only patterns as part of my line.

Some of these patterns may be produced as printed patterns at a later date, if interest is shown.

When will I receive my order?

What is your return policy?

We can accept returns on unused, unopened patterns within 7 days. We can refund both purchase price and original shipping once the pattern is returned, but the buyer is responsible for return shipping. If you receive an incorrect order, or your pattern is missing pieces, we will correct your order or issue a refund on both pattern cost as well as all shipping.

How do I become a cover artist?

First, submit a portfolio of illustration to cover (at) blueprintsforsewing.com. Illustrations featuring fashion & people are preferred, but there are NO PARAMETERS in terms of style and medium.

I am an artist (an unconventional one, at that) and would love to see a wide variety of art. Charcoal? Yes. Collage? Of course! Needlepoint portrait? For sure! Digitally produced jacquard textile art? Heck yeah!

Keep in mind that at this time, all Blueprints pattern covers are one color artwork. Your work can be converted, but keep this in mind.

While I would love to support every submitting artist, not all work may be right for our covers. There may be future opportunities for other kinds of promotional art, so don't lose hope if you don't make the cover.

Can I be a Blueprints pattern tester?

If you would like to test upcoming patterns, please send us an email listing your Name, Location, and Sewing Experience. Some links to pictures of things you have sewn will be helpful as well. We tend to work with sewists in the greater Boston area so that we can meet and review in person, but out of state/country folks will certainly be considered.

Are you hiring?

As of right now, Blueprints is a one woman show. Hopefully, as the company grows, I'll be able to hire other creative individuals to share this adventure!

The Legal Stuff

Privacy Policy

Blueprints For Sewing collects personal information solely for the purpose of processing orders and shipping, as well as website visitor data for our own informational purposes. Your information will never be sold to a third party.